Ten important skateboard spots in Bangkok, Thailand
1. Benjakitti Park
Benjakitti Park, a sprawling urban park located near the Queen Sirikit Convention Center, is a must-visit for skateboarders. This park features smooth paths, wide open spaces, and long straightaways perfect for cruising and practicing tricks. While primarily a place for joggers and cyclists, the park's paved roads offer ample opportunities for skateboarders to practice their skills in a peaceful and scenic setting.
The highlight of Benjakitti Park is the large, flat, smooth area near the entrance, which is ideal for beginners working on basic tricks. For more advanced skaters, the park offers a wide range of spaces with varying terrain, from small hills to long stretches of pavement perfect for sliding and carving.
Why It’s Great:
- Smooth pavement and wide open areas.
- Beautiful park surroundings with a peaceful vibe.
- Ideal for beginners and intermediates.
- Perfect for carving and cruising.
2. Siam Square
Siam Square is the heart of shopping and entertainment in Bangkok, and it also serves as a vibrant spot for skateboarders. This area is popular for its long stair sets, ledges, and smooth concrete surfaces, making it a prime destination for street skaters. The area’s hustle and bustle adds a level of excitement, but it’s also challenging due to the number of people and the busy streets surrounding the square.
One of the key attractions at Siam Square is its smooth, wide steps that are perfect for grinding or jumping off of. Nearby, there are also plenty of benches and railings that make great obstacles for tricking. The location is central, making it easy for skaters to grab some refreshments or shop after a session.
Why It’s Great:
- Central location in Bangkok with easy access.
- Wide steps, ledges, and rails for street skating.
- Great mix of obstacles for both beginners and advanced skaters.
- Vibrant atmosphere with many skaters.
3. Chatuchak Park
Chatuchak Park is a large and popular park in Bangkok, located next to the famous Chatuchak Market. While the park is filled with green spaces, paths, and beautiful surroundings, the smooth concrete roads and wide walkways make it an excellent location for skateboarders. Skaters can enjoy long, flowing paths, wide open spaces for tricks, and various obstacles that offer endless opportunities for skating.
For street skaters, the nearby areas around the park feature ledges, steps, and rails that are perfect for grinding and jumping. The park’s proximity to the market means that skaters can grab food, drinks, or even skate gear when needed.
Why It’s Great:
- Large, wide-open areas perfect for longboarding and cruising.
- Concrete roads for street tricks.
- Close to Chatuchak Market for food and skate supplies.
- Calm environment away from traffic.
4. The Jam Factory
The Jam Factory is a unique art space and skate hub located along the Chao Phraya River. It’s home to a large, smooth parking lot and several skateable structures. The space itself is part of an old warehouse complex that has been renovated into a modern, urban area. The skate park here is a hotspot for local skateboarders, offering rails, ledges, and a smooth surface ideal for technical tricks.
For those looking to skate in a controlled environment, The Jam Factory’s atmosphere is welcoming and laid-back. The area also hosts events and gatherings, adding to the community spirit. Whether you’re practicing grinds or just cruising, this space is a great choice.
Why It’s Great:
- Smooth, large open areas for both street and park skating.
- Quiet environment with a relaxed vibe.
- Skate-friendly community.
- Located along the Chao Phraya River with great views.
5. Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is one of the oldest and most iconic parks in Bangkok. While it’s more popular with joggers, cyclists, and families, the park’s wide paved paths and scenic surroundings make it an attractive location for skateboarders. The park is a great place for beginners to practice their cruising skills, as it features smooth, long paths surrounded by trees and lakes. Additionally, there’s an open area near the park’s entrance, perfect for practicing tricks and stunts.
While the park is calm and peaceful, it is also a popular spot, so skateboarders should be cautious of pedestrians and joggers. However, the park’s overall atmosphere is serene and ideal for those seeking a relaxing skate session away from the noise of the city.
Why It’s Great:
- Calm, scenic environment perfect for cruising and basic tricks.
- Smooth, long paths.
- Relaxed vibe, away from the busy streets of Bangkok.
- Great for beginners.
6. Ratchadamnoen Avenue
Ratchadamnoen Avenue is an iconic road in Bangkok known for its grand architecture, cultural landmarks, and smooth pavement. The road is often less crowded than other areas, making it a prime spot for skaters looking to practice their tricks in a quieter urban setting. Ratchadamnoen Avenue is a great location for cruising and practicing slides, as it features long, smooth stretches of road and wide sidewalks.
For more advanced skaters, the area has some interesting spots for street skating, including ledges and curbs. The beautiful surroundings, including temples and historical buildings, add to the charm of skating in this area. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed session or a challenge, Ratchadamnoen Avenue has something to offer.
Why It’s Great:
- Iconic avenue with smooth pavement and minimal traffic.
- Perfect for cruising, slides, and street skating.
- Surrounded by historical and cultural landmarks.
- Less crowded than other spots.
7. TCDC (Thailand Creative & Design Center)
Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC) offers a unique skate spot with its large open spaces and smooth concrete flooring. The TCDC is a multi-functional creative space, often used by designers and artists, and has recently become known for its skate-friendly environment. The architecture of the building and the surrounding space is ideal for technical tricks, offering wide ledges, smooth stairs, and rails.
Skateboarders looking for a more artistic vibe will appreciate the creative atmosphere at TCDC. The area’s design and layout are conducive to both street skating and trick-focused park skating.
Why It’s Great:
- Modern, urban space with a creative vibe.
- Wide ledges, smooth stairs, and rails for street skating.
- Ideal for technical tricks and creativity.
- Indoor and outdoor skateable areas.
8. MRT Stations (Sukhumvit Line)
The MRT stations along the Sukhumvit Line offer many urban skateboarding opportunities, especially for street skaters. These stations are known for their wide staircases, ledges, and smooth, high-contrast concrete surfaces that make them perfect for grinding, ollies, and flips. Skaters often utilize these areas to practice technical tricks and gain quick access to other spots in the city.
The best stations for skating are those that are less crowded, and skaters should be mindful of commuters and train schedules. However, the stations themselves offer great features for street skaters, and their proximity to various locations in the city makes them an attractive option.
Why It’s Great:
- Urban, street-style spots with wide stairs and ledges.
- Minimal traffic at certain times of the day.
- Ideal for technical tricks and street skating.
- Convenient access to the rest of the city.
9. Talad Neon Night Market
The Talad Neon Night Market is a bustling marketplace located near the Ratchaprarop area. While it is primarily a destination for food, shopping, and entertainment, it has become a popular spot for skateboarders looking to take advantage of the smooth paved paths and obstacles around the market. The parking lot area is great for cruising and practicing tricks, especially in the quieter hours before the market gets crowded.
The atmosphere is lively, with neon lights and plenty of food stalls, which makes for a unique skating experience. After skating, you can enjoy some street food or shop for skate gear at one of the market's many shops.
Why It’s Great:
- Smooth paths and a large open space.
- Lively market atmosphere.
- Close to food, drinks, and skate gear.
- Fun location for skaters who enjoy a vibrant setting.
10. Victory Monument
Victory Monument, one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks, offers a variety of spots for skaters, from smooth concrete ledges to wide-open spaces around the monument itself. This area is well-known for its long curbs, stairs, and flat surfaces, ideal for street skating and technical tricks. Victory Monument is an urban spot that attracts both tourists and skaters, making it a great place for a mix of skating and sightseeing.
Though it can be crowded, the area surrounding the monument offers plenty of opportunities for skaters to practice their craft. The smooth surfaces and challenging obstacles make it suitable for more advanced skaters looking for a challenge.
Why It’s Great:
- Iconic landmark with diverse skateable obstacles.
- Long curbs and ledges for grinding and sliding.
- A mix of urban style and cultural significance.
- Popular spot for street skaters.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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